Charles Smith, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidenhead has set up the petition which calls for the Cox Green Conservative councillor to resign.

Mr Smith said: “These comments betray a horrifically bigoted and prejudiced view, and mean that Cllr Mellins lacks the values, judgement and ability to fulfil his role as an elected representative. He must resign immediately.

"This sets a horrendous example to the community - we must act and speak up to fight this bigotry. “

The story has been picked up on social media by the likes of Labour MP for West Bromwich East, Tom Watson and UKIP deputy chairman Suzanne Evans.

The councillor who said travellers should be executed has apologised for his "ill judged remarks": http://t.co/dDqS6J417y